Cutler Talks About His Thumb, Expectations For The Coming Season — And Fatherhood

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 09: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears stands on the sideline during a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Soldier Field on August 9, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

CHICAGO (CBS) – The expectations are sky-high for the Chicago Bears this season – and especially for quarterback Jay Cutler.

In a rare, candid conversation with 670 The Score’s Zach Zaidman for an interview to air during CBS 2’s Pregame Show Friday night, Cutler gives a “thumbs up” for big things ahead.

Cutler is not looking back at the debilitating broken thumb that put him on the sidelines last season just as the Bears were ascending under his leadership.

“It’s injuries. It comes with the game,” Cutler says. “I was lucky enough to go a long period of time without a serious injury that really knocked me out for multiple games.”

Cutler is looking forward to the new season and working with offensive coordinator Mike Tice and wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

The seasoned QB is also experiencing something for the first time: parenthood, with fiancée Kristin Cavallari.

The biggest challenge of being a dad?

“The unknown,” he tells Zaidman. “You bring this child home and there’s no manual, there’s no directions.”

CBS 2’s Pregame Show airs at 6:30 p.m. Friday. The Bears play the New York Giants afterward, in a preseason game telecast on CBS at 7 p.m. Central Time.

Jay Cutler one-on-one with Zaidman:

Matt Forte and Lance Briggs talk with Megan Mawicke about new offense and season expectations: